Recent years have seen tagging-style graffiti vandalism become an increasing problem in Bradley Stoke (although fortunately not yet at the levels common in some inner-city areas of Bristol).
Until now, local residents suffering a ‘spray can’ attack on their own private property have had to foot the bill for removal, with South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) quoting £76.70 per hour to do the job, but help is now at hand thanks to an initiative from Bradley Stoke Town Council (BSTC).
Deputy town clerk John Rendell explains:
“The town council has identified the ongoing issues with graffiti around the town and the complications of property ownership that can arise when it appears. The town council is aware that SGC does have a department that offers a graffiti removal service to residents, but at a cost. However, the town council felt that this was something it could offer to residents free of charge.”
“Consequently, the council has purchased an SC3000 steam cleaner [at a cost of £3,882] and devised a waiver document that will allow BSTC employees to attempt to clear the graffiti. The machine has been in full operation for a couple of months now and we have already cleared several instances of graffiti on private property.”
“We will still report all graffiti on non-council business property (such as Virgin Media and BT cabinets) and we hope that the respective organisations are able to clear these in good time, but at least we now have a procedure in place to ensure we can more efficiently tackle other instances of graffiti that may appear around the town.”
Residents can report graffiti to the town council by using the ‘Contact us’ webpage at www.bradleystoke.gov.uk/contact-us.php or phoning the office on 01454 205020.
A suggestion that local ward councillors could be proactive in tracing the owners of private properties which have suffered graffiti vandalism, in order to make them aware of the council’s free removal service, was welcomed as an “excellent idea” at the Annual Town Meeting on 8th May.
This article originally appeared in the June 2019 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on page 32). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH (except August), to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
